MSRTC employees begin indefinite statewide strike for pay hike

Nashik: At least 5,000 employees of the Nashik division of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Thursday joined an indefinite statewide strike called by a transport workers' union over their demand for a salary hike.

"The drivers and conductors have struck work to demand a 25 per cent hike in their salary. The strike has been called by the Maharashtra ST Workers Congress (INTUC)," senior Congress leader and former MLA Jaiprakash Chhajed, who is the President of INTUC, told PTI.

"The MSRTC employees had submitted many memoranda to the MSRTC management, but no action was taken. Hence, we have given a call for a statewide strike, in which about 53,000 MSRTC employees would participate from today," Chhajed said.

Bus services, particularly in rural areas of Nashik, have been affected, he said, adding, passengers who routinely commute by MSRTC buses were being overcharged by private buses and autorickshaws.

Meanwhile, Nashik Divisional Controller of MSRTC, Yamini Joshi said their bus services and other work have been affected 50 per cent by the indefinite strike call.

The MSRTC depots wore a deserted look with the buses parked and striking employees gathered around the premises. Police have beefed up security at the depots to avoid any untoward incident.